This month, consider adoption

Among the tons of faxes and e-mails received in our office, one, received Monday from a Virginia financial services company, stood out.

Next week, when you plan to have 20 people over for Thanksgiving, plan on spending $35 per person. That's right, $709 for the traditional turkey dinner, according to Edelman Financial Services of Fairfax, Va.

But don't panic yet; closer examination of the itemized list indicates that the company's list, besides the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, includes rental of tables, tablecloths, chairs, plates, glasses -- and $240 worth of liquor, wine and beer.

Most of us won't shell out that kind of money for spirits -- at least, we had better not -- let alone rental chairs, place settings or tables. And, have the folks at the company ever heard of potluck?

The typical host has plenty to do in preparing the turkey and home where it will be consumed. For most of us, family and friends who will be guests are quick, after accepting the invitation, to add: "And what should I bring?"

Which brings up the most important point about Thanksgiving -- families are what makes it special.

So it's appropriate that November has been set aside as a month to recognize those who have gone to a special effort to expand their families, and encourage others to consider adoption.

According to Gov. Mike Johanns, from January 1999 through October 2004, 1,608 children who were wards of the state were adopted, including 30 which were to be finalized this month.

But there are still plenty of opportunities.

Nebraska has almost 3,200 children currently in foster homes, and approximately 120 of them are available for adoption.

"Investment in a child will make a profound difference for a lifetime," Johanns said in a proclamation release earlier this month. "If you can provide a safe, loving home, you can give a tremendous gift to a child and to society by becoming an adoptive family."

The greatest need, Johanns pointed out, is for minority adoptive families, families that have an interest in adopting sibling groups of two or more children, families interested in providing a loving home to children with mental or physical handicaps, and families that would welcome older children.

"All children need a sense of security, the knowledge that somebody will always be there for them," said Mary Burt, executive director of the Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association. "Children have the right to picture in their mind a family."

Next week, if you are fortunate enough to sit down for a Thanksgiving feast with your family, imagine what it would be like without them. And, if your situation allows, consider adding another chair or two for new members next year.